CRIME levels significantly reduced for the seventh annual BoomTown Fair at Matterley Bowl near Winchester, which took place between Thursday, August 11 and Sunday, August 14.

The number of reported crimes is down from the figure in 2015. This is an especially positive outcome as an additional 10,000 people attended the event this year. The total number of crimes reported was 186 as of yesterday evening, compared to 337 at the same point in the event last year.

Almost £79,000 of drugs were seized by police at the event, as well as almost £55,000 recovered from the amnesty bins that were used by members of the public outside the event as well as security staff after interventions on site.

This demonstrates that the drugs messaging provided by festival organisers to members of the public before entering and once inside the event, preventative measures such as specialist officers, dedicated security and the police dog unit, have helped to reduce the potential supply and use of drugs at BoomTown Fair.

The majority of crimes related to drugs possession with 103 people being dealt with for this offence and 37 people dealt with for possession with intent to supply drugs.

Meanwhile violence and sexual offences remained very low this year with three assaults being reported and one robbery. A further two sexual offences were reported.

There has been a significant reduction in reports of thefts from tents, with 21 reported so far, compared to 100 at this stage last year. The final total may change as reports will continue to be made when people return home. There was one theft from motor vehicles have been reported and fourteen pick-pocket type offences were reported.

Superintendent James Fulton said: "The proactive and reactive drugs operation remains very effective with a good number of arrests for possession with intent to supply both Class A drugs and new psychoactive substances.

“As has been the case over many years, there has been excellent partnership working across all agencies such as security, stewards and medical staff.

“The fire on Friday was well handled with great assistance from Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and plenty of support on site from the festival organisers for those affected.

“Overall this has been another highly successful and well run weekend," added Supt Fulton.